For nearly two hours before their helicopter lifted off from the grounds of the newly christened Trump Vineyard Estates and traveled north towards New York, business tycoon Donald Trump and his son, new winery owner Eric Trump, entertained hundreds of area residents, elected officials and businessmen on the grounds of the former Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard.
Between opening remarks and a toast led by Virginia First Lady Maureen McDonnell, the message from both the elder Trump and Governor Bob McDonnell was job growth as much as it was wine.
"This is really great for Virginia jobs," said McDonnell, who referred to the winery as Trump’s third major investment in Virginia and said he looked forward to "a greater Trump presence." Trump told C-VILLE that he had no immediate plans for other winery acquisitions or ambitions, but "will concentrate on Virginia." More after the slideshow, below:
Former winery owners Bill Moses and Patricia Kluge, whose rumored bankruptcy began to see confirmation in early 2010, joined the Trumps, McDonnells, and Secretary of Agriculture Todd Haymore on a dais yards from the pavilion where Trump’s colleagues purchased the Kluge properties in April. Asked whether the wine operation would put more acres under the vine, Kluge responded, "No," before Eric Trump pledged more acres in the near future, and mentioned (but did not elaborate on) new products. The younger Trump, 27, said he will continue to employ those individuals hired by the former Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard.
Kluge, who called her new boss "delightful…with a great brain," offered closing remarks before McDonnell’s toast. "I feel like I gave birth to this place," she said, and added that she was pleased to see the property in the hands of a longtime friend. "Donald has been the wind beneath my wings." Governor McDonnell followed, and thanked Trump for what tax revenue the winery might generate for the state’s coffers.
"Bobs is still for jobs, Mr. Trump," said McDonnell.
